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KARACHI: In compliance with the Supreme Court’s orders, the Sindh government withdrew on Saturday shoulder promotion given to 59 police officers over the past decade, but kept positions of 12 key officers intact, without explaining the reason for the favour that defied the court’s directives.

In a notification issued by the services, general administration and coordination department, the Sindh government named 59 officers who were demoted to their original rank and grade after the shoulder promotions were withdrawn.

However, the notification did not carry the names of 12 other officers who were given shoulder promotion and are currently holding key slots in the Sindh police. Most of them head anti-terror units.

“In pursuance of judgment dated 12-06-2013 passed by the honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan in criminal original petition No. 89/2011 and other cases and order dated 10-07-2013 passed by the honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan in criminal miscellaneous application No. 397 of 2013, the out-of-turn promotion granted to the following officers/officials of police department are hereby withdrawn,” said the notification, carrying the names of 59 officers.

They were also given shoulder promotion, but the authorities did not explain why their promotion was not withdrawn.

“Most of the 12 officers are heading anti-terror wings of the Sindh police,” said an official.

“These specialised units include the anti-violent crime cell, Crime Investigation Department of the Sindh police, special investigation unit and other investigation and operational arms.”

As late as last week, the Sindh government sought two months’ time from the Supreme Court to implement its judgment on out-of-turn promotions in the police department, citing Karachi’s law and order situation.

It submitted that in order to comply with the court’s order in letter and spirit, the Sindh government issued notifications about cancellation of absorptions in all departments, including police, withdrawal of nominations of assistant commissioners in excess of quota, repatriation of deputationists and withdrawal of out-of-turn promotions in the Sindh government, except the police department.